The other side of the cock.
The train through Kosgoda continues to Galle. A name thought to be derived from the Dutch word for rooster or cock, whichever is easiest. Yes, that place, full of international tourists. That old town that looks like Europe and mostly belongs to foreigners.
Negombo is often referred to as “Little Rome”, on account of having so many churches, but it’s Galle that looks more European in style. Part of the town is surrounded by a fort, which actually ended up protecting this end of the city from the notorious 2004 tsunami. Other places in the southeast and southwest of Sri Lanka were completely wiped out, while Galle stood strong. Well done Portugal and Holland.
Galle’s 16th century Portuguese/Dutch built fort is the city’s one and only attraction. It’s a place for business and business only, the only people who live here are business owners. Everyone arriving to Galle comes to the fort and stays at the fort. Accommodation prices are hiked up for tourists, usually led by touts, and if you don’t accept their offer they often get annoyed. The persistence of touts and shop owners was enough to drive me out of the old town and only to return in the evening for some sightseeing.
We stayed at a family hotel a few kilometres outside of the old town for its affordable price and had to walk along the seafront back to the fort. However, what sounds painful turned out to be a real joy. Because that walk went through another part of town, as well as fishing villages, markets and parks. Well, I suppose someone has to show the other side of Galle, right?
